2020 is hard, but a nice glass of red wine at the end of a long day makes things just a little bit more bearable. In fact, some nutritionists suggest that a glass of red wine a day could actually help your heart and mental health. We'll toast to that. With so many grapes, vintages, and varieties to choose from, picking the right bottle might give you a wine headache before your buzz has even had a chance to settle in. But don't fret! We're here to guide you to the best red wines to savor this fall.
We don't discriminate when it comes to format, either, so we've included a few great canned and boxed wine options in the mix. No matter what vibe you're after, there are plenty of delicious and refreshing red wines to choose from to end your work-from-home days on a more relaxed note.
Here is our list of the 10 best red wines to pair with your favorite classic fall flavors.
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1
Best Red Under $20
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Black Label Claret
You might already be familiar with some of the Coppola family's other tasty wines, like the very 'grammable Sofia sparkling mini. Don't sleep on the red wines, though.
This Claret from the winery's Diamond Collection is a cabernet sauvignon-based red wine blend that is truly spectacular. With luscious notes of blackberry, currants, and roasted coffee beans, this is one of the best red wines you can find for under $20.
We love a red wine with a good story, and this pick from woman-owned, Black-owned winery McBride Sisters is exactly that. Disrupting the predominantly white, male winemaking landscape in groundbreaking ways, winemaking sisters Andréa and Robin McBride are producing premium wines in Marlborough, New Zealand and California's Central Coast.
This 2016 Central Coast California Red Blend has a spicy, peppery kick and is an incredibly balanced, food-friendly pick.
We love the canned wines coming from Oregon-based Union Wine Co. This pinot noir is luscious and silky, with notes of black cherry, currants, and fall baking spices. There's also an interesting subtle bitterness and some Fernet-like herbal qualities to this very crushable wine.
Approachable, easy to transport, and incredibly food-friendly, this easygoing canned pinot noir is a perfect example of what the future shape of wine looks like.
With 15 official appellations, Washington is the state to watch in 2020 for delicious red varieties ranging from syrah to grenache. This big red blend from Walla Walla-based winery Cedar + Salmon is made from cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit verdot and has a jammy blueberry aroma. The balance of subtle smokiness and a bit of nutmeg and cinnamon on the palate makes this very versatile.
If you're grilling lamb chops or serving a hearty bolognese at home this fall, we recommend this red wine for your dinner pairing.
5
Worth the Splurge
Cakebread Cellars Two Creeks Vineyards Pinot Noir 2018
Describing a red wine as "pretty" might seem bizarre, but the rose bouquet aroma and lush, berry notes of this pinot noir are truly gorgeous. A special red wine that is well worth the splurge, this 2018 pinot noir is one of the best expressions from renowned Anderson Valley, California-based winery Cakebread Cellars.
Made with organically farmed grapes in Northern California's Mendocino region, this cabernet sauvignon from Bonterra has juicy notes of cherries smoothed out by oaky vanilla vibes. We love the super affordable price point of this organic pick — it makes a solid, crowd-pleasing option for heartier cold-weather meals.
Named as an homage to the extinct volcanoes in the area which provide its unique soils, this Firepeak Pinot Noir from Edna Valley, California-based winery Baileyana is incredibly elegant. Medium-bodied, silky, and juicy, this wine has very subtle notes of cherries, oak, and tobacco, which reminds us of autumn bonfires.
It's one of the smoothest pinot noirs we've ever tried.
We're big fans of boxed wine, but wine in a bag is our new jam. If you haven't heard of badass sustainable wine-subscription brand Maivino yet, lean in. Each pouch contains two full bottles (that's 10 glasses) of delicious small-batch, estate-sourced wine, and this Chilean pinot noir is our favorite varietal from the brand to date.
Serve this bright and juicy red wine slightly chilled. It's seriously delicious paired with spicy charcuterie and cheese plates at home.
9
Best Chillable Red Wine
Tank Garage Winery 2019 The Revolution Will Not Be Televised Red Wine
Zippy, fresh, and reminiscent of a young Beaujolais-style red wine, this 2019 Sierra Foothills red blend from Tank Garage is one of the winery's tastiest releases yet. With an intense aroma of raspberry, pomegranate, and a little bit of wet leather, this bright red wine tastes best served chilled, while you're chilling.
If you're looking for a fun red wine to start the evening, whet the palate, and get your guests excited for the meal ahead, you'll really never go wrong with a fizzy and sassy glass of Lambrusco. This Lambrusco di Sorbara is lively and fruity, with a gorgeous rosy hue almost similar to a rosé wine.
Delicately floral, dry, and bursting with juicy red berry notes, this Lambrusco tastes especially delicious paired with your favorite salty cheese, briny olives, and spicy charcuterie.
Danielle St. PierreSenior Food & Drink EditorDanielle is the former food & drink editor for BestProducts.com, where she put her knowledge as a cocktail consultant and connoisseur to use; her work can also be spotted on Thrillist, Food & Wine, and Delish.
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